Valentines Week Celebration - Five Special Authors

We have reviews and giveaways all week long in celebration of Valentine's Day!  


Our special valentine's day guest, Laura Frantz, just had her book "The Frontiersman's Daughter" translated into Dutch.  Laura is giving away CHOCOLATE on Valentine's Day! She didn't say if it was Dutch chocolate, though!!!  Her latest release, The Colonel's Lady is wonderful. Of course we'll be giving away a Laura Frantz book, too!

Julie Lessman will be up in three reviews this week.  Moi, my critique partner Kim D. Taylor, and reviewer Teresa Mathews have all given our unique perspectives.  I am saving mine for a bibliotherapy analysis next Saturday.  We are giving away a copy of ANY Julie Lessman book, but this one, "A Heart Revealed" is super-appropriate for Valentine's Day week! And sweet Julie is giving away TWO copies of AHR, also!!!  Thanks, Valentine!









All of us here at Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help, also love Julie Klassen.  We have a review of Julie's latest book up this week, too, on Friday.  With a giveaway - of course!






You only counted three sweeties?  We want to give a great big Valentine Shout out to:

Susan Craft


A copy of Susan's book "The Chamomile", one of my picks for 2011, will be a giveaway.  Susan's book is a treasure trove !


Susan Craft's book on Amazon

and
Kelly Long also in my top 2011 picks, 


whose work I love, especially her two audiobooks in the Patch of Heaven series!
Buy Kelly Long books on Amazon and on CBD and other book stores.


Giveaway of any of Kelly's releases, including her upcoming first book in her Amish colonial series Arm's of Love!

 Kelly will be up on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help for Kelly Long week later this spring!




Giveaways will be done everyday, so come by and celebrate historical romance for our Valentine's Week Celebration!

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels of The Chamomile by Susan Craft

The Chamomile by Susan Craft

(Ingalls Publishing Group, 2011)

Five Stars *****

“A Treasure Trove of Colonial History”

I am going to gush. I just finished reading Susan Craft's book.  It is not a CBA book, but this is an amazing inspirational book.  It is a historical with strong romantic elements, not a historical romance.  Susan has a command of South Carolina history that is remarkable and it shows on every page.  

This book is like a treasure trove of American Revolution and colonial history relevant to South Carolina and unlike anything I have ever read.  The closest thing might be The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Laura Frantz's labor of love which is set in Kentucke.  Laura spent years researching The Frontiersman’s Daughter as did Susan in her  research for The Chamomile. You simply must read it and if you have not read The Frontiersman’s Daughter you need to read that, too.

 

I was thinking that Susan might be the Liz Curtis Higgs of South Carolina historical (American Revolution) fiction – she gives that much attention to detail.  Just a treasure trove of information along with a tight story and excellent charactertization.  Loved it and did not want to finish this book. 

Bravo Susan!!!


Giveaway: Copy of The Chamomile to one commenter - will do the giveaway on my birthday, January 5th.  This book was like a gift to me.

The Chamomile by Susan Craft

The Chamomile by Susan Craft

Adventure in the Colonies!
Review by Diana L. Flowers

Susan sweeps us away on a colonial journey to British-occupied Charlestown, SC. in the year 1780, a time of danger and mixed loyalities. Even though the British require Lilyan Cameron and her brother Andrew to sign a document of loyalty to the British Crown, they are true-blue patriots...willing to give their lives if necessary, for freedom from oppressive British rule. Andrew ends up a prisoner on a notorious British ship, and Lilyan must somehow find a way to rescue him...with the help of one handsome, charming Nicholas Xanthakos, a scout with Francis Marian.

Lilyan becomes a spy, putting her life and those around her in much danger, including her life-long Cherokee friend, Elizabeth, who is almost raped by a British officer. Will she be able to rescue Andrew from the ship where starvation and deprivation rule?...and what huge role does the "chamomile" play in helping the Patriot spies to communicate one with another? As Lilyan escapes to the wilderness to avoid bounty hunters, will she be reunited with the one she loves?

I was truly impressed with Susan's knowledge of colonial-era history, and I feel like this book would appeal to Heartsong historical fiction lovers everywhere! I admit to being disappointed in the fact that Lilyan and Nicholas had barely had a conversation, and he was already addressing her in terms of endearment. The romance happened too quickly and appeared a bit rushed, but there is indeed such a thing as love at first sight! Nice job, Susan Craft!

Interview with Susan Craft

Susan Craft is the author of The Chamomile, a historic romantic suspense, a SIBA “Okra Pick.”
Published by: Ingalls Publishing Group
Date: November 2011


Interview by Carrie Fancett Pagels


Susan Craft is also the author of 3 books, A Perfect Tempest and The Chamomile, as well as Laurel, the sequel to the Chamomile, which will be published November 2012 books.  Her website is http://www.susanfcraft.com.


I met Susan through Colonial American Christian Writers.  She also serves on the Colonial Quills group blog.


Susan, welcome to Overcoming Through Time.  


Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past?
Like many people, I’ve come to find, I had an unhappy, unhealthy childhood traumatized by alcoholism. The one person that I should have been able to count on to take care of me is the person who caused me the most pain. On the other hand, my neighborhood was full of children, and, like the Little Rascals, we played hard until nightfall, swam in the neighborhood lake, put on plays and musicals, held week-long Monopoly games, and were free to roam around until suppertime. So, my life was unsettling, like a wild ride with major ups and downs, twists and turns. I found solace in books and writing. Although our family was active in church, and I accepted Christ as my Savior at 14, it wasn’t until I was 32 that I let go of my constant comparison with what my life was to what I thought it should be. I also let go of trying to control and fix everything.  I was led to the program Adult Children of Alcoholics and, eventually, was able through prayer to forgive my loved one. I thank God that we were able to enjoy many years of a good relationship before they passed away.

There’s a scene in my novel, The Chamomile, where my main character, Lilyan, talks with her brother, Andrew, about her reliance on God for her strength.  Andrew reminds her that God is not only her source of her strength, but of her joy too and that she mustn’t worry so much. That scene is a very personal one for me and was written from the depths of my heart.


What is your favorite bible verse and why?
My favorite verse is I Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
–        especially appropriate for me is “it keeps no record of wrongs.”


Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio? My books aren’t available on audio or in large print – at least, not yet. I hope they will be.  My mother loved books and spent a lot of time reading to me, my brothers and sister when we were young. Towards the end of her life, she became partially blind and relied on books on tape provided by the SC Commission for the Blind. What a tremendous service!


What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
The Chamomile is about love of family and perseverance in the face of adversity. The title is a reflection of that.  When reading Noble Deeds of American Women, I came across this account.  A British Army officer noted for his cruelty and relentless persecution of those opposed to his political views was one day walking with Mrs. Anna Elliott in a garden where there was a great variety of flowers. “What is this, madam?” he asked, pointing to the chamomile. “The rebel flower,” she replied. “And why is it called the rebel flower?” asked the officer. “Because,” answered Mrs. Elliott, “it always flourishes most when trampled upon.”
Throughout the novel, my main character, Lilyan, portrays the characteristics of the chamomile.  Also, she is a Christian, and as such approaches life from that perspective, in her thoughts, words, and actions. Because I don’t want to sermonize to my readers, I take great care to try to weave inspirational elements into my stories subtlety, naturally. 

In my author’s notes I explain it this way: “Finally, but most importantly to me, The Chamomile is an inspirational novel about someone who faces adversity and survives it through faith. My intent was to portray a woman who maintains a genuine, abiding relationship with her creator and who really struggles to live by that faith, but makes a mess of it sometimes. Don’t we all?”


As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
I came across an incredible account of Elizabeth Jackson, Andrew Jackson’s mother. After Andrew and his brother, Robert, were captured after the Battle of Camden, they succumbed to smallpox.  Mrs. Jackson walked 50 miles from her home in Waxhaw, SC, to Camden and arranged for their release.  Robert died soon after they returned home. When Andrew recovered, Mrs. Jackson received notice that two nephews were imprisoned on British ships in the Charleston Harbor (in The Chamomile, Lilyan’s brother, Andrew, is imprisoned on one of these ships).  She walked over 100 miles to Charleston and nursed the young men until she contracted cholera and died in the home of an acquaintance and was buried somewhere outside of Charleston. Though President Jackson made inquiries, no one was able to find her grave. What an inspiration Mr. Jackson was to me.  She was brave, resourceful, loving, generous, determined, and selfless to the point of putting others’ health and safety before her own.


In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation? Susan said “No.”  (CFP: Assault, self-defense, trust, dealing with loss – all these issues are in The Chamomile.)


Thank you Susan for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Best of 2011 – Carrie’s Fiction List 2011 Releases

Laura Frantz’s The Colonel’s Lady, Revell (historical romance, colonial) Laura is a favorite of all four of us who contribute to this blog. Three of us have read TCL. We all wait with bated breath each year for her new release.  So I'll tag this one "To Sigh For"

MaryLu Tyndall’s Surrender the Dawn (historical romance)

and Surrender the Night  (I am counting these two as one). Diana and Marian and I all included MaryLu on our lists - officially a triple threat! Consistent excellence in writing.

Melanie Dickerson,The Merchant’s Daughter, Zondervan (YA, historical romance) I read this through in one day - she just grips your heart and won't let you go till you are done reading!!!

Now for my count! (Yes, I am cheating! I removed the ones that we all voted for already!)  Oh, and I am another Julie Lessman fan but did not get her 2011 release read yet.  

Laurie Alice Eakes' Lady in the Mist (Revell), a lovely historical romantic suspense read.  One of the best heroes of the year. 

CJ Chase, Redeeming the Rogue, Love Inspired Historical (Regency romantic suspense). Amazing!!! 

Roseanna White's Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, Summerside. Roseanna is on Diana's list, too.

Serena Miller, The Legend of Katie Calloway. Best Heroine and we love Serena and Katie!!! She'd on Teresa's list, too!

The Treasure Trove historical book for me:

Susan Craft’s, The Chamomile, Ingalls (historical, colonial)

Top bibliotherapy pick:
Jennifer Hudson Taylor - Highland Sanctuary, Abingdon  (Scottish historical romance). Wow!  She's also on Teresa's list as is the book.

Available on Audio (My preference!)

In a class all her own – Liz Curtis Higgs’ Mine is the Night, audible.com download (historical)  It would not be fair to even count this audiobook in my top ten because it is in a class all by itself – a fantastic audiobook NARRATED by the author HERSELF!!!!  You cannot beat this for really getting the story, the characterization, and of course that FABULOUS voice of Liz Curtis Higgs!!! 

Julie Klassen’s Girl in the Gatehouse, Bethany (historical romance, Regency). LOVE Julie Klassen's writing.  She has it ALL - unique storylines, amazing characters, fantastic writing, and beautiful voice!  AND it is on audio!!!

Best romance!!!

Kelly Marie Long,  Lilly's Wedding Quilt Thomas Nelson (Amish, romance).  Hunkiest hero and he is Amish!  Great use of bibliotherapy in this book.  Lovely voice and taut storyline.  She is one of my new favorite authors. And on audio and you have me sighing in gratitude!  Thank you Thomas Nelson Publishers for making this wonderful book available in that format!

Released on audio in 2011 - Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist (originally published in pb in 2010 by Bethany House). Also on Teresa's list. 

Vannetta Chapman, Falling to Pieces (Amish suspense murder-mystery).  This is like inviting your BFF over to visit and she is sharing the story.  


Also on Marian Baay's list: Waterfall by Lisa Bergren (YA, speculative, romance) Only one of the trio available in audio at this point in time. This is one of those gripping listens - you pretty much have to stop what you are doing to listen to it.  She reaches many different types of readers.


Happy listening and reading in 2012!!!


GIVEAWAY: A Kindle copy of Melanie Dickerson's new release The Merchant's Daughter and a paperback copy of Julie Klassen's The Girl in the Gatehouse.  Winners announced on Marian's birthday (January 4th) and on my birthday (January 5th) so come back for the parties!